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411’s UFC on ESPN+ 14 Report: Shevchenko Wins

August 10, 2019 | Posted by Robert Winfree

Main card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)
(c) Valentina Shevchenko (124.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Liz Carmouche (125 lbs.)
Vicente Luque (171 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (170.5 lbs.)
Luiz Eduardo Garagorri (145.5 lbs.) vs. Humberto Bandenay (146 lbs.)
#7 Volkan Oezdemir (205.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Ilir Latifi (204.5 lbs.)
Rodolfo Vieira (185.5 lbs.) vs. Oskar Piechota (185 lbs.)
Enrique Barzola (145 lbs.) vs. Bobby Moffett (146 lbs.)

Preliminary Card (ESPN+ at 5 p.m. ET)
Gilbert Burns (171 lbs.) vs. Alexey Kunchenko (170.5 lbs.)
Ciryl Gane (241.5 lbs.) vs. Raphael Pessoa Nunes (261 lbs.)
#8 Tecia Torres (115 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (115.5 lbs.)
#8 Rogerio Bontorin (125.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Raulian Paiva (125.5 lbs.)
Geraldo de Freitas (135 lbs.) vs. Chris Gutierrez (136 lbs.)
Rodrigo Vargas (156 lbs.) vs. Alex da Silva Coelho (155.5 lbs.)
Veronica Macedo (125.5 lbs.) vs. Polyana Viana (126 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 14. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the evening, relaying all of the action to you good people just as I see it. The UFC is making their debut in the South American country of Uruguay here, and they’ve brought a card that’s very short on intrigue but has a couple of hidden gems along the way. The main event is a rematch between women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and former bantamweight title challenger Liz Carmouche. The two fought several years ago and Carmouche won via doctor stoppage due to a cut, making her one of only two women to hold a win over Shevchenko. The co-main is pretty solid as well as the currently streaking but technically un-ranked Vicente Luque battles perennial fan favorite Mike Perry, expect some fireworks from that one. If you look hard at the rest of the card you’ll find a couple of things, the UFC debut of Rodolfo Vieira, the debut of Cyril Gane, and Gilbert burns stepping in on short notice up at welterweight against undefeated Alexey Kunchenko. Other than that, we’re hoping for one of those cards that over performs relative to expectations.

UFC on ESPN+ 14 comes to the world from the Antel Arena in Montevideo, Uruguay. On commentary we have Brendan Fitzgerald and Michael Bisping with Heidi Androl handling reporting duties. As for the rules, the UFC is probably self regulating which will mean we’ll be under the new rules but I’ll be sure to update as soon as I know for sure. OK, apparently they’re not giving us a specific update on the rules before the first fight. Odd.

Veronica Macedo debuted in the UFC undefeated but has gone 0-3 in the promotion and now needs a win just to get a bit of job security. Polyana Viana has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, she’s hoping that a move up to flyweight will breathe some more life into her career. The odds are with Macedo at -135 to a +105 comeback on Viana.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Veronica Macedo (5-3-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Polyana Viana (10-3, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Viana is an inch taller and has three inches of reach on Macedo. They touch gloves, Macedo is fighting southpaw. Bit of a body kick from Viana. Another one, this time Macedo with a spinning back kick but that just allows Viana to get a takedown into half guard. Viana is moving well on top looking to pass, Macedo keeps trying for an armbar, she gets it extended and Viana does have to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Veronica Macedo via Submission, armbar, at 1:09 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Macedo for her work this afternoon. Mic time for Macedo and a translator, she does a bit of her own translation though and starts with Spanish then goes to English. She mentions needing the win after three losses in a row and thanks the crowd. She moves to English and dedicates the win to her friend who showed up for several months to help her train.

That is the fastest submission in women’s flyweight history. There’s a couple of kind of neat things here. First is how quickly Macedo positions her left ankle across the face of Viana once Viana has rolled to her back, this helps stop her momentum and lock her in place so she can’t move as well to escape. Second is the arm fighting, Viana keeps her arm bent so the elbow is safe for a lot of the attempt but once she can’t keep rolling Macedo is able to twist it so the elbow is down to her hips and vulnerable to the leverage of the hold.

Rodrigo Vargas is making his UFC debut on the back of a two fight winning streak that includes a head kick finish of UFC veteran Mike De La Torre, now he’s looking to make a good first impression on the UFC audience. Alex da Silva lost his UFC debut earlier this year, he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. Da Silva is the -280 favorite while Vargas’ comeback sits at +230.

Lightweight Bout: Rodrigo Vargas (11-2, 156 lbs.) vs. Alex da Silva Coelho (20-2, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Da Silva is a full ten years younger, and while they’re the same height da Silva has an inch and a half of reach advantage. Vargas declines a touch of gloves and starts swinging, so da Silva ducks under and gets a takedown into half guard. Da Silva doesn’t really try to stop Vargas re-guarding, and he passes to half guard again landing lefts. Vargas tries to wall walk but that lets da Silva slip around to his back and get one hook in. Both hooks for da Silva now and he’s looking to pull Vargas back and stretch him out. Da Silva is looking for the choke now, Vargas is doing a decent job of defending so far. Vargas’ hand fighting so far is pretty good, but other than that he’s a bit lost. Da Silva switches to a body triangle and lands some punches, he’s just trying to open up the choke. Vargas is able to break the triangle and spin to get on top, he swings some punches from top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 da Silva, would have been 10-8 except for that final flurry

ROUND TWO: Vargas comes out and misses a left, he’s fighting southpaw. Da Silva catches a kick and lands a right. Vargas grabs a single leg, but da Silva smothers and pushes him over and gets on top. Da Silva lands a couple of short elbows, then moves to the back in a scramble. No hooks yet for da Silva, he lands some punches and hammer fists which encourages Vargas to roll forward and pull guard. Da Silva is working body to head offense, Vargas is trying to get up on a hip or just get his shoulders off of the mat. Punches from da Silva, Vargas tries to throw up a triangle attempt but winds up with a kind of head scissors that da Silva passes without much difficulty. Da Silva back to the ride position, he thinks about setting up a d’arce choke but decides to land punches instead and continue riding Vargas. Vargas moves to his back, da Silva is in half guard now. Vargas is bleeding from somewhere, it’s not bad but it is there. Elbows from da Silva and he’s looking to pass again. There’s short time now and the round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-8 da Silva, I’m scoring under the new system until I hear otherwise for this card, 20-17 da Silva overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Vargas feints a bit, he’s wary of the takedown though. Da Silva lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a left from Vargas. Vargas avoids a high kick then misses a wheel kick. Uppercuts are traded then da Silva lands a body kick. Da Silva lands a short right in close that off balances Vargas, and then he follows Vargas down to the mat and gets on top. Butterfly guard for Vargas this time, let’s see if he can use it. Da Silva lands a couple of punches and passes to half guard. Vargas tries to grab a leg and go inverted but his legs aren’t in any kind of position so he goes back to half guard after eating some body shots. Da Silva lands some lefts, Vargas keeps fishing for a kimura trap but he’s not finding it and is eating punches. Da Silva moves to the back without hooks, Vargas is looking to stand up from turtle guard, he’s up but da Silva hits a mat return. Vargas looking to stand again, he’s back up but his returned again as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 da Silva, 30-26 da Silva overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alex da Silva via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Unremarkable fight, but da Silva keeps rolling and will not get an interview.

Geraldo de Freitas is on a seven fight winning streak that includes a successful UFC debut in February of this year, now he’s trying to extend that streak and become a recognized prospect in the division. Chris Gutierrez has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and is now trying to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. As for the odds, they’re with de Freitas at -135 to +105 for Gutierrez.

Bantamweight Bout: Geraldo de Freitas (12-4, 135 lbs.) vs. Chris Gutierrez (13-3-1, 136 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gutierrez is an inch and a half taller while de Freitas has a whopping five and a half inches of reach on him. Southpaw for Gutierrez though he does a bit of stance switching. Both men showing the lead hand early. Body kick from Gutierrez then a leg kick. Gutierrez is working well with his kicks thus far, de Freitas is looking for an opening to attack. De Freitas lands a couple of body shots. Quick couple of punches land for Gutierrez then he tries a high kick that’s blocked. De Freitas lands a right hook but he’s really struggling to close distance reliably beyond just lunging forward. De Freitas lands a couple of body shots, he’s getting Gutierrez to the fence reliably now and is punishing him when he can’t move backwards. They clinch up on the fence, de Freitas tries a single leg but Gutierrez is able to defend and separate. Gutierrez avoids a wheel kick and lands a right hook. Left hook from Gutierrez lands as well. De Freitas lands a calf kick that sweeps the legs from Gutierrez but he can’t get on top and they wind up clinched. They jockey for position along the fence then de Freitas gets a trip to land on top in half guard. A few bits of offense land for de Freitas as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gutierrez

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Gutierrez is feinting a bit, and lands an inside leg kick. Hard leg kick from Gutierrez drops de Freitas for a second. De Freitas is getting Gutierrez towards the fence again but this time Gutierrez is circling more. De Freitas lands a looping right. Gutierrez lands another leg kick, de Freitas shoots but is stuffed and then lands a couple of hooks. De Freitas is looking to get takedowns but Gutierrez lands another calf kick that drops him for a second. Another clinch, Gutierrez gets a double leg and moves to half guard very quickly. De Freitas is looking to pass but Gutierrez is stopping him so far. Side control briefly from de Freitas, they scramble though and Gutierrez winds up on top in the guard of de Freitas. Gutierrez stands over him, lands a leg kick then a left to the body. De Freitas is trying to re-engage the grappling but Gutierrez is avoiding him. Leg entanglement from de Freitas, Gutierrez goes into his guard and lands an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Freitas but a close one, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. De Freitas is bleeding a bit from the nose, he misses a knee attempt. Gutierrez tries a jumping knee that misses but he lands a calf kick again. De Freitas is swinging wild, he knows his left leg is compromised and he’s trying to force a brawl or open up takedowns. Another calf kick from Gutierrez and de Freitas is down again. A few more leg kicks from Gutierrez as de Freitas is on his seat. There’s a but on Gutierrez as well, so both men are bloody. De Freitas is back up, the ref calls time to get the cut on Gutierrez looked at. The cut is high up by the hairline, apparently caused by a clash of heads. It’s not a bad one and we’re back to fighting, Gutierrez lands a calf kick. De Freitas forces a clinch and Gutierrez blocks a takedown attempt then forces separation. De Freitas misses a couple of lefts and another calf kick from Gutierrez drops de Freitas again. The ref makes de Freitas stand again. Gutierrez lands an inside leg kick then a right. De Freitas is coming forward and lands a couple of hooks, things are breaking down a bit now. Gutierrez with a bit of a left. Stiff right from Gutierrez, and another as de Freitas is trying to close distance. Gutierrez with a bit of an elbow, we get a bit of RoadHouse action just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 de Freitas but another one that could go either way, 29-28 de Freitas overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chris Gutierrez via split decision (27=30, 29-28 x2)

I’m not complaining about 29-28 for Gutierrez, though I’m not sure about 30-27 for either man. Mic time for Gutierrez, he says he hates fights that go the distance and needs to work on that. He says this fight is for all the single dads who are fighting for their kids, and asks them not to give up before giving love to his son.

Raulian Paiva is coming off of a loss in his UFC debut, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and get that all important first UFC win. Rogerio Bontorin won a split decision in his UFC debut to give himself a three fight winning streak, he’s looking to extend that here and start moving up the currently shallow ranks at flyweight. Your favorite is Bontorin at -120 to -110 for Paiva.

Flyweight Bout: #8 Rogerio Bontorin (15-1 1 NC, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Raulian Paiva (18-2, 125.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Paiva is three inches taller and has two and a half inches of reach over Bontorin. They touch gloves to get things going. A bit of circling from Bontorin early, both men doing some feinting. Bontorin lands a leg kick. Paiva misses a right. Bontorin is showing stance switching, they trade left hooks but Paiva got the best of that and Bontorin is now after a double leg. It takes a second effort but Bontorin does get the takedown, and he’s dealing with a cut from that left that Paiva landed. We get time, the ref wants that cut looked at. The cut is under the eye, and there’s some swelling but he can see rather clearly and the cut isn’t bad. We’re back to fighting, the re erroneously restarts them on the feet then after a moment sets them back on the mat with Bontorin on top in half guard. Paiva fights to his feet but eats a right. They get close and trade heavy leather before Bontorin gets a clinch then a high crotch lift and they scramble on the mat with Bontorin winding up on top. We get time again when they stall out, Paiva is cut badly on the inside of the right eyebrow. The doctor waves it off, given the position of that cut and how bad it looked I’m completely alright with that, the cut looks like the one from Browne vs Pascal from last week if you saw it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rogerio Bontorin via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 2:56 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Bontorin for his work this afternoon. Mic time for Bontorin and two translators one for Portuguese and one for Spanish, he says he knew the fight was over when he saw the cut and feels that you shouldn’t underestimate him in the cage. Asked about how soon he’d like to be back, he says he’s an employee here (he isn’t) and will do what the brass want.

Here’s a still of the cut. No issues with the stoppage at all personally.

And for all of us gorehounds out there, here’s a better look at the cut.

Tecia Torres is on a three fight losing streak, though that’s somewhat mitigated by those being to current champion Jessica Andrade, former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and next title challenger Weili Zhang. Even with that level of opposition though she can’t afford a fourth straight loss here if she wants to be considered close to the title picture. Marina Rodriguez is undefeated and has gone 1-0-1 in the UFC, but is coming off of a win over Jessica Aguilar and could knock off another former staple fighter from the top of the division here. Torres is a slight -160 favorite to +130 for Rodriguez.

Strawweight Bout: #8 Tecia Torres (10-4, 115 lbs.) vs. Marina Rodriguez (11-0-1, 15.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rodriguez is five inches taller and has four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both women are showing the jab early, just looking for reactions and openings. Rodriguez lands a leg kick after missing a couple of punches. Bit of a leg kick from Torres but she eats a counter jab. Rodriguez lands a bit of a right hook. Rodriguez lands an inside leg kick to punctuate a combination, she’s working a lot of front kicks to the body as well to maximize her reach advantages. Both women land rights in close. A few more front kicks from Rodriguez, she’s disrupting Torres well with those. A right then a left from Rodriguez land, Torres tries a takedown but Rodriguez defends and they separate. Another bit of a right from Rodriguez lands, Rodriguez got poked in the eye and we get a couple of seconds of time before she’s ready to continue. Rodriguez lands a right after taking a leg kick. Body kick from Rodriguez after she landed a right, Torres catches it and forces a clinch but can’t get the takedown. They’re fighting along the fence now, Rodriguez lands a couple of knees to the body while she’s trying to frame. They break and Rodriguez lands another right before they clinch up where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez

ROUND TWO: Torres is moving a lot to start this round, she lands an inside leg kick but eats a counter combination. Leg kick from Rodriguez and she avoids a counter. Rodriguez is pushing Torres back towards the fence consistently this round, she lands a right and they clinch again. They break and Torres fires a couple of kicks that are mostly blocked. Rodriguez misses a couple of elbows and Torres lands a right. Torres tries a single leg, but can’t finish it and Rodriguez lands a couple of elbows. Both women fire a couple of short range punches that land. Another rush from Rodriguez to a clinch and she lands a series of knees to the body and head before avoiding a head lock takeover attempt. After they break Torres forces another clinch but is struggling to get a takedown along the fence. Rodriguez with a few more knees to the body, then a right as they break apart. There’s swelling around the right eye and cheek of Torres. Rodriguez lands a front kick to the face. Torres still hasn’t got a handle on the range and Rodriguez is finding openings. Another clinch from Torres off of a failed takedown attempt and Rodriguez lands knees to the body and elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18 Rodriguez overall

ROUND THREE: Torres is coming forward more this round, Rodriguez lands a spinning back kick to the body. Torres lands a body kick but eats a couple of punches and they clinch up on the fence again. Rodriguez with knees to the body again while they pummel for hand position. More knees and elbows from Rodriguez then they break. Rodriguez lands a right. Front kick to the face from Rodriguez, she’s backing Torres towards the fence again. There’s a mouse under the left eye of Torres as well now, nothing even remotely fight stopping but it’s worth noting the damage. Rodriguez catches a kick and sweeps Torres down but doesn’t follow her down to the mat. Another clinch after Torres fails a double leg and Rodriguez uses a power guillotine attempt to force her to her back along the fence. Rodriguez lands some offense as Torres wall walks and they’re at distance again. Another clinch, Rodriguez gets Torres on the fence again and lands a series of elbows. Knees from Rodriguez, Torres lands a couple of uppercuts and they separate. Rodriguez lands another spinning back kick to the body. They clinch and Rodriguez goes back to the body with knees then a foot sweep and they separate. Torres lands a right, and Rodriguez lands a series of elbows in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rodriguez, 30-27 Rodriguez overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marina Rodriguez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)

Not sure about 10-8 in any round even under the new rules, but a really great showing from Rodriguez all the way around. No interview for Rodriguez though.

Ciryl Gane is undefeated and looking to make an immediate splash in a shallow division. Raphael Pessoa is in an identical position being undefeated coming into his UFC debut and hoping to leave a positive impression on the UFC audience. Gane is a hefty -500 favorite to a +350 payout on Pessoa.

Heavyweight Bout: Ciryl Gane (3-0, 241.5 lbs.) vs. Raphael Pessoa Nunes (9-0, 261 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gane is an inch taller and has three inches of reach on Pessoa despite Pessoa being the heavier fighter by about twenty pounds. They touch gloves, Gane opens orthodox but will do stance switches. Pessoa misses a couple of rights then lands a body kick. Gane is bouncing on his toes, given his size that’s impressive, and lands a pretty solid leg kick. Gane catches a kick and off balances Pessoa, then lands a right as Pessoa fights to his feet. Pessoa misses a wheel kick but it got pretty close. Gane lands a jab and Pessoa misses a couple of punches. Pessoa swings and misses a few punches, Gane lands a straight right. Gane has Pessoa on the fence, he lands a couple of jabs and evades the counters easily. Gane lands a right. Pessoa moves off of the fence and they trade some jabs. Gane lands a bit of a right, they clinch up and Gane starts landing knees to the body. Pessoa gets a trip but Gane rolls with it and winds up on top in side control. Gane locks up an arm triangle, sinks it and squeezes until Pessoa taps.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ciryl Gane via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:12 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Gane for his work this evening. Mic time for Gane, he says the submission was a bit of a surprise but he works hard on his ground game. Asked who he’d like next he says anyone.

Not to be overly dismissive or use this phrase as a pejorative, this is a very heavyweight MMA finish. Gane keeps a grip around the neck of Pessoa to help roll through the trip. Pessoa leaves his arm out, Gane locks up the arm triangle and despite being a little too high on the body with his positioning and Pessoa being on a hip rather than flat the physical strength of Gane makes up for the minor technique issues present in this instance and he forces the tap.

Gilbert Burns is on a two fight winning streak and is 4-1 in his last fight only dropping a bout with Dan Hooker last year. Burns took this fight on short notice and up a division from his normal home at lightweight but could take out a rising prospect here. Alexey Kunchenko is undefeated including two wins in the UFC, he’s trying to remain perfect here and possibly earn a step up in competition for his next bout. The odds are with Kunchenko at -140 to +110 for Burns.

Welterweight Bout: Gilbert Burns (15-3, 171 lbs.) vs. Alexey Kunchenko (20-0, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Burns is two inches taller and has an inch of reach on Kunchenko. They touch gloves to get us going. Burns is feinting right away trying to get a read on Kunchenko. They trade leg kicks, Burns’ landed better. I’m questioning the graphic they gave us in terms of height and reach, Kunchenko looks the larger party. Another leg kick lands for Kunchenko. Burns lands a right, he’s looking very sharp right now. Kunchenko lands a couple of calf kicks. Burns lands a couple of leg kicks of his own then shoots a double leg that stalls out on the fence. Burns gets an outside reap and is on top in the guard of Kunchenko. Kunchenko has butterfly guard as he’s looking to wall walk. Burns lands a couple of elbows then passes towards the side, then moves back to be in line with Kunchenko to try and dissuade his wall walking. Burns looks to mount the ankles but can’t quite get it. I’m a little surprised the ref hasn’t at least called for action because they’re stalemating a bit here. Burns lands a couple of punches and moves to full mount but Kunchenko pushes him off and starts to wall walk. The round will end in that position as Kunchenko gets back up.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round and start throwing early. Burns lands a couple of calf kicks but eats a few rights. Burns is looking for stepping knees now, he avoids a right and shoots a double leg but Kunchenko shucks him off. Kunchenko lands a couple of body shots. Leg kick from Kunchenko, he’s got Burns near the fence now but Burns circles back to the center of the cage. There have been a couple of technical issues this evening, the broadcast has acknowledged at least one of them, so I apologize for those who might have a better feed with regards to discrepancy. Burns lands a body kick. Kunchenko lands a right then a body kick, Burns responds with a heavy leg kick. Burns times a leg kick and gets a double leg in open space to the guard of Kunchenko. Burns passes to half guard, Kunchenko tries a sweep but nothing doing there. Kunchenko is working towards his feet, Burns wraps up an arm in front headlock to stifle his motion and push him to his back again. Burns lands a couple of elbows, Kunchenko explodes up and gets on top briefly, he stands and lands a leg kick to the seated Burns as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Burns, 20-18 Burns overall

ROUND THREE: Burns comes out kicking but he looks a little fatigued. Kunchenko is coming forward, lands a body kick and a right. Bit of a right from Burns then Kunchenko lands a couple of leg kicks. Burns avoids an uppercut and is after a double leg that Kunchenko is able to avoid. Leg kick from Kunchenko, and another couple behind that. Burns is fading a bit, he’s looking to kind of ice the round rather than really win it. More leg kicks from Kunchenko drop Burns, who invites Kunchenko down before the ref makes him stand. Burns’ left leg is definitely compromised. Burns avoids a body kick and gets a standing rear waist lock, drives Kunchenko to his knees against the fence. Kunchenko is looking to wall walk from his knees, Burns is leaning on him with a rear waist lock. Kucnhenko is back up, Burns holding a clinch looking to kill the clock. A few punches and elbows land for Kunchenko but Burns isn’t letting go. More offense from Kunchenko but it’s muted a bit. The ref breaks them, Burns had been grabbing inside the glove of Kunchenko and we’re at distance. Kunchenko lands a leg kick. Burns misses a spinning kick, Kunchenko lands a head kick then a calf kick but it wont be enough as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kunchenko, 29-28 Burns overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

The crowd boos, given how strong Kunchenko closed I can understand it but he clearly won the fight. Mic time for Burns, he tries to make nice with the crowd then does his own translation noting it was a short notice fight and puts over Kunchenko as a tough opponent. Asked about the leg kicks he acknowledges how hard they were before thanking his coaches for getting him through it and then thanks Brazil.

That is the end of the prelims, though we’re still on ESPN+ for the main card.

Oh hey, a rules update for the main card. Would have been nice a few hours ago guys. Since the UFC is self regulating but using the structure of the CABMMA that makes sense. The language around scoring encourages more 10-8’s and we do have the use of instant replay. Also the ABC updated what makes a fighter grounded again. Now you can be grounded with only one hand, but it does still have to be a palm or fist flat on the mat. Because this isn’t confusing enough already. Thanks bloated government bureaucracy.

Enrique Barzola just had a four fight winning streak snapped by Kevin Aguilar, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and prove he’s still a worthwhile prospect for the UFC. Bobby Moffett has gone 1-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds are with Barzola at -150 to +120 for Moffett.

Featherweight Bout: Enrique Barzola (15-4-1, 145 lbs.) vs. Bobby Moffett (14-4, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moffett has three inches of height and reach on Barzola. They touch gloves to get things going. Circling to start, Moffett lands a leg kick. Moffett pushes close and lands a calf kick. Barzola tries a superman punch that lands. Both men miss rights, then Moffett misses a high kick. Barzola is the one coming forward right now but neither man has found much of a read yet. Right uppercut then a left hook land for Moffett. Barzola misses a few punches. High kick from Moffett is partially blocked. Moffett lands a right then a left body kick. Calf kick from Moffett, Barzola lands a bit of a right to counter. Barzola backs Moffett to the fence and they trade rights before Moffett circles free. Moffett lands a right then a left body kick. That combination is working for Moffett but he’s becoming a bit too predictable with it, every time he fires the right he kicks with his left behind it. Moffett lands a body kick. Another body kick from Moffeet then a stiff right. Barzola gets a takedown, Moffett up and they trade in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moffett

ROUND TWO: Barzola is coming forward again, he eats a calf kick. Both men are engaging, Barzola gets a clinch and a go behind to get a mat return. Moffett is back up and they break. Moffett lands a calf kick. Barzola lands a left to the body. Moffett avoids a single leg attempt and gets a bit of a body kick. They get close and this time it’s Moffett who’s after the takedown against the fence but Barzola breaks his grip and separates. Barzola misses a series of punches. Moffett bulls him back to the cage and swings a few punches of his own. Barzola lands a right uppercut. Stiff left hook from Barzola lands. Barzola’s lead left hook is finding the target, Moffett gets a clinch but Barzola is able to break free. Moffett lands a calf kick, those are starting to add up. On an exchange of kicks Barzola got kicked in the groin so we’ve got time. Replay is a little inconclusive and Barzola is ready to continue rather quickly. Barzola lands a left hook then a leg kick. Moffett blocks a wheel kick and lands a right hook. Another calf kick lands for Moffett. Barzola pushes forward and swings then lands a bit of a high kick. Moffett seems to have woken up now and lands a combination of rights to the body and head. There’s some brawling now, then Barzola gets a double leg, they scramble as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barzola, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Moffett is pressuring Barzola back to start the last round. Bit of a right from Barzola lands. Moffett lands a calf kick then a left hook. Body kick lands for Moffett, he’s really going after the body this round. Barzola lands a superman punch then an uppercut to follow up. Barzola is after a takedown, Moffett reverses and is after one of his own but they wind up clinched. Moffett lands some short lefts and they separate. Right then a jab from Moffett land. Barzola misses a spinning elbow then eats a calf kick. More calf kicks from Moffett then a right. Barzola lands a left hook then eats a counter uppercut. Short right from Moffett then another one in close that stuns Barzola for a second. Barzola is on the fence now, Moffett lands a jab as they get to brawling. Rush from Barzola lands, Moffett lands a left body kick. Barzola is bleeding from the face now, Moffett lands a couple of jabs. Jabs from Moffett, Barzola looks to flurry but misses. They trade body kicks, clinch up and Barzola gets a bit of a double leg but can’t control Moffett who lands a left hook on the feet as the last blow of the fight.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moffett, 29-28 Moffett overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Enrique Barzola via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

I don’t agree with 30-27 for Barzola at all. Mic time for Barzola, who says he’s happy for the win. He puts over training at AKA now, also thanks ATT for all the time they put into him, then thanks Latin America. To close he lobbies again for a UFC event in Peru.

Rodolfo Vieira is one of the finest black belts of his generation only coming up short against guys the caliber of Buchecha or Rafael Lovato Jr. in the jiu-jitsu world. He’s also undefeated in MMA coming into his UFC debut and he’s looking to display his skills to the UFC audience. Oskar Piechota has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of his first professional loss, now he’s trying to avoid a losing streak and take out one of the most decorated jiu-jitsu players to make the move to the UFC. Vieira is the -220 favorite to +180 for Piechota.

Middleweight Bout: Rodolfo Vieira (5-0, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Oskar Piechota (11-1-1, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Piechota has three inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Vieira is coming forward early, lands a jab while Piechota is circling around the fence. Piechota lands a jab, neither man is really going to open up early as they don’t want to leave anything for the other man. Vieira catches a kick but Piechota is able to scramble free before Vieira can secure a position. Piechtoa lands a left to the body then a bit of a left hook. Double leg attempt from Vieira, this one is more successful and he’s got Piechota down along the fence. Butterfly guard for Piechota as he’s against the fence, Vieira is keeping him from wall walking so far. Piechota gets his hips in play, but he just eats a few rights for his trouble. Lefts now from Vieira and he’s looking to pass towards full mount. Half guard for Vieira, Piechota gets butterfly guard back but eats a few hard punches along the way. Vieira postures, lands a few blows then Piechota wall walks and the round ends with Vieira holding a double leg against the fence.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vieira

ROUND TWO: Piechota lands a body shot to start the round. Piechota is bouncing around a bit, Vieira seems the more fatigued party thus far. They split some jabs, Piechota avoids a takedown attempt then misses a kick. Vieiera gets a takedown under a jab and lands in half guard, this time in open space. Vieira is looking to smash pass to full mount, but Piechota bumps through as he does and escapes to his feet. Double leg from Vieira hits the fence and stalls out, then they settle for a clinch. Vieira gets a takedown against the fence and mounts the legs then lands a few punches. Elbows now from Vieira, his grip fighting is superb and Piechota is trying to control posture rather than fight the grips. Piechota rolls and nearly gives up his back but is able to get half guard again. Vieira moves to 3/4 mount and then full mount, locks up an arm triangle choke and that’s all she wrote.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rodolfo Vieira via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 4:26 of Round 2

Mic time for Vieira, he says he’s happy and feels good to be in the UFC. He talks us through the submission and my feed stutters badly so I missed any insight he might have provided but that’s where they’ll close the interview.

I’m not about to provide commentary on the work of someone as accomplished as Vieira, just watch because once he starts moving on top Piechota is basically toast.

Volkan Oezdemir is on a three fight losing streak and is in danger of flaming out as quickly as he rose to the title scene, he needs a win badly to arrest the near free fall his UFC run is in. Ilir Latifi has gone 2-2 in his last four fights, he’s coming off of a loss and is trying to avoid his first UFC losing streak. The odds are with Oezdemir at -160 to a +130 payout on Latifi.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #7 Volkan Oezdemir (15-4, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Ilir Latifi (14-6 1 NC, 204.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Oezdemir is four inches taller but only an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men probing with jabs. Leg kick from Oezdemir. Oezdemir lands a right and he’s backing Latifi into the fence. Latifi catches a kick and gets a takedown into half guard, Oezdemir wall walks quickly and we’re still in the clinch. There’s a bit of swelling around the right eye of Latifi as they separate. Latifi fakes a takedown and lands a short right. Oezdemir lands a bit of a jumping knee and they clinch again. Short elbows from Oezdemir, Latifi fires a few rights as they break. Latifi is doing a bit of stance switching, Oezdemir lands a knee as Latifi enters into a clinch. They break without incident, and Latifi is starting to wear the damage. Oezdemir lands a hard calf kick. Both men do a bit of stance switching now, Oezdemir is still firing leg kicks though. Latifi slips and Oezdemir lands a couple of punches. Latifi lands an uppercut but eats a flush right hook for his trouble. Oezdemir is just stalking Latifi at this point, lands a leg kick and avoids a takedown easily. More offense from Oezdemir and he’s got Latifi on the fence in the clinch. Some close quarters offense from Oezdemir, they break and stare away the last couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oezdemir

ROUND TWO: Oezdemir is back to leg kicking early this round, and avoiding the more labored punches from Latifi. Oezdemir is really looking smooth so far, though some of that might be by comparison. Leg kick from Oezdemir. Latifi lands a right then a left hook. Oezdemir lands a couple of punches as he’s got Latifi on the fence. Knee from Oezdemir wobbles and drops Latifi, he follows him down and unloads but Latifi is back up. Knee and elbows from Oezdemir in a Thai clinch, then they break and trade rights. More elbows from Oezdemir in close then a right at distance. Latifi is fatigued and battered, Oezdemir lands a left to the body. A single flurry from Oezdemir would probably end this at this point, Latifi is using the cage to help remain upright. Calf kick from Oezdemir, and a combination of punches. Latifi lands a right hook but there’s not much on it, Oezdemir lands a left hook that drops him and a couple more punches on the mat end this one.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Volkan Oezdemir via KO, punches, at 4:31 of Round 2

Really good performance from Oezdemir, good patience, shot selection, and finishing instincts. Mic time for Oezdemir who says winning feels really good then notes his meteoric rise to the title and feels that only now is everything really clicking for him. He talks us through the finish, noting how often Latifi dips his head and is open to the knee he landed. Asked to call his shot he wants to fight either Blachowicz or Reyes again and feels he beat Reyes already but will do it again.

Here’s the finish. Latifi has to exit in one direction, Oezdemir clocks him with a left hook and that’s all she wrote.

Eduardo Garagorri is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s getting this high a position on the card as he’s a native Uruguayan and he’s trying to score a successful UFC debut in his home country. Humberto Bandenay has gone 1-2 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, he’s trying to avoid the dreaded three fight skid that has ended so many other UFC careers. The odds are with Garagorri at -140 to a +110 comeback on Bandenay.

Featherweight Bout: Luiz Eduardo Garagorri (12-0, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Humberto Bandenay (14-6, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bandenay is two inches taller and has an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves, both men fighting southpaw. Garagorri is circling, misses a leg kick. A bit of stance switching from Garagorri, and he tries a head kick that’s blocked. Leg kick from Garagorri. Bandenay misses a couple of punches but gets a takedown, Garagorri scoots to the fence and is looking to wall walk. Garagorri is looking to wall walk, he sneaks in a few elbows as Bandenay holds the clinch when they get back to their feet. Some knees from Bandanay, Garagorri gets a knee tap and lands a couple of elbows as eh moves to half guard. Garagorri lands another couple of punches then stands free and lands a leg kick before making Bandenay stand. Leg kick from Garagorri lands. Garagorri lands a body shot then a left hook that wobbles Bandenay but Bandenay gets a double leg against the fence. Bandenay is bleeding from the hairline, Garagorri wall walks back up then Bandenay tries to jump guard but can’t get the grip. Garagorri lands an elbow as they jockey for position. They break and then Garagorri lands a leg kick. Another clinch on the fence, Garagorri flurries as they break. Bandenay is already breathing a little heavy. Garagorri lands a head kick. Bandenay bulls into another clinch, they resume landing knees but it’s clear this kind of fighting is neither man’s real strong suit. The round ends in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garagorri

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the round. Leg kicks from Garagorri then a front kick to the body. Bandenay is backing up, and rolls with a left. Body kick from Garagorri, he should really commit to the body work as Bandenay is fatigued. Garagorri lands a hard leg kick. Bandenay lands a series of punches, Garagorri fires back but he’s bleeding from the left eyebrow now. Garagorri lands a body kick. Stiff jab from Garagorri. Bit of a lunging right hook from Garagorri lands. Garagorri lands a right to the body, he doesn’t move his head when closing distance and an intercepting counter would make his night a bad one. They both punch and clinch up, this time Garagorri initiates it and has Bandenay ont he fence. They just hold on for a few seconds and the ref breaks them up. Garagorri misses a right, Garagorri lands a one two then a knee to the body. Body kick from Garagorri, Bandenay is reacting to those body shots now. Garagorri lands a leg kick then a body shot. Another clinch, they jockey for position but are kind of just hanging out a bit. Bandenay gets a body lock but does nothing with it, Garagorri lands an elbow as they break then a couple of lefts. Bandenay avoids a wheel kick. Double leg from Bandenay as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garagorri but could go either way, 20-18 Garagorri overall

ROUND THREE: They hug briefly to start the last round. Garagorri lands a left. Bandenay walks into a left, Garagorri fires to the body then avoids a takedown attempt. They clinch up on the fence, Bandenay gets a bit of a trip and tries to get the back but can’t turn the corner. Garagorri forces his way back up and lands a couple of short punches before they clinch. They do nothing and the ref breaks them up. Bit of a body kick from Garagorri, Bandenay pushes for yet another clinch, because I’m sure this one will go differently than the other 15 this round. Garagorri gets a body lock briefly but nothing comes of it and they break. Garagorri lands a counter left hook. Bandenay blocks a combination and misses his counters. They both miss punches. Garagorri lands to the body then hits a left hook as he avoids a takedown. Bandenay is circling away. Garagorri blocks a takedown attempt, we get a little bit of exchanging as the clock winds down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Garagorri, 30-27 Garagorri overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Luiz Garagorri via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Controversial take incoming, but neither of these guys should be in the UFC right now. Mic time for Garagorri, the crowd definitely likes him if nothing else, and he gets a little emotional thanking them and is proud to represent Uruguay. He says footwork and Muay Thai was a big part of his game plan. Asked what’s next for him he wants to be the next Latin American star then asks in English for a post fight bonus.

Vicente Luque is on a five fight winning streak with all of those wins coming via some form of stoppage, he’s trying to return to the top fifteen with another win as well as earn a shot at a ranked opponent for his next bout. Mike Perry is 2-3 in his last five fights but is coming off of a win and is trying for his first winning streak since 2017. Luque is your -220 favorite against +180 on Perry.

Welterweight Bout: Vicente Luque (16-6-1, 171 lbs.) vs. Mike Perry (13-4, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Luque is an inch taller and has four and a half inches of reach over Perry. Perry starts out circling. Luque lands an inside leg kick, Perry lands a right. Perry lands an inside leg kick then swings a heavy right that’s blocked. Left lands for Perry. Bit of a leg kick from Luque, he’s backing Perry up now and lands a left. Body kick from Luque and he avoids the counters. Perry lands a body kick of his own then tries a head kick that’s blocked. Luque lands a jab then a leg kick. Perry lands a right. Luque is being smoother and that’s letting him find openings in Perry’s heavy power oriented style. Perry lands a body shot. Luque lands a right then a jumping knee that lands but Perry just eats it. A few jabs go back and forth. Luque avoids a blitz, then Perry barely avoids a knee strike. Perry is bleeding under the right eye and around the corner of his left eyebrow while Luque is swelling a bit around the eyes and looks to be bleeding from the bridge of the nose. Leg kick from Luque but Perry responds with hooks, Luque covers up but he ate a fair number of blows. Luque lands a calf kick then avoids a couple of punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Luque

ROUND TWO: Both men circling as the second round starts. Some leg kicks from Luque, Perry is doing some stance switching. Perry pushes into a clinch and gets Luque on the fence. Knees to the thigh from Perry, Luque is trying to frame and disengage but he’s struggling at the moment. Elbow from Perry then a couple of punches are blocked. Bit of a head kick from Luque then a counter right. Perry lands a left uppercut, Luque lands a left of his own. They trade some jabs then Luque lands a leg kick. Perry swings a right to the body then a bit of a left hook. Perry with a couple of jabs to counter a leg kick. Luque starts coming forward, lands a left but eats an uppercut and Perry is looking to swarm. Luque lands an elbow and Perry rethinks his flurry. Perry lands a stiff jab. A couple of rights land for Luque, then Perry lands a couple of body shots and a left hook. Perry lands a right at distance then a bit of a left hook. Luque lands a hard leg kick. Body shot from Perry then Luque lands an inside leg kick. They trade rights again, then Perry swings a right uppercut that misses then a left hook. Perry avoids a jumping knee as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Perry, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Luque starts moving forward immediately and lands an inside leg kick. Another leg kick lands for Luque. They trade leg kicks now then Perry with a bit of a knee to the body. Jab from Perry, Luque goes back to the leg kick. More leg kicks from Luque then a front kick to the body. Luque is starting to really pick Perry apart now, he’s sniping with leg kicks. Perry is after a single leg but can’t finish it as they hit the fence. Things are stalling out on the fence and Perry flips off the crowd as they start booing the fight. The ref breaks them up and we’re back at distance. Luque resumes stalking forward, and lands an inside leg kick. Luque lands a knee to the head, Perry gets a takedown off of it though into guard. There’s a bit of a guillotine attempt from Luque, Perry gives the thumbs up. Luque is squeezing a lot of blood out of Perry’s head but Perry doesn’t seem to be in trouble and he’s landing body shots. Perry reaches to fight the grip and breaks it, Luque’s arms must be dead after all that squeezing. Perry digs some more body shots then gives us a final flurry from to position as the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Luque, 29-28 Luque overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Vicente Luque via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

Minor correction, that blood was coming from the badly broken nose of Perry that Luque absolutely destroyed with that flying knee. Fun fight there, as expected. Mic time for Luque who thanks the fans for coming out and dedicates the fight to his grandmother who recently passed. He says the game plan was about what happened, though he wanted to get hit less. He feels proud of his work and is ready to fight again. Asked who he’d like on the back of his six fight winning streak he says this is four fights in less than twelve months and he wants anyone in the top ten and mentions Stephen Thompson more specifically as being available.

Seriously, badly broken nose. This is up there with Rich Franklin, Brandon Vera, Jerome LeBanner, and Thiago Silva. Might be the worst of them.

Liz Carmouche is getting her second crack at UFC gold here, her previous chance was against Ronda Rousey in 2013, and is trying to make good on this opportunity. Valentina Shevchenko is the current women’s flyweight champion and is coming off of her first successful title defense when she scored a KO of the year contender. She’s trying to extend her title reign and continue establishing her legacy as a truly great fighter. Shevchenko is the biggest favorite on the card at -1100 to a +700 comeback on Carmouche.

Women’s Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Valentina Shevchenko (17-3, 124.5 lbs.) vs. #3 Liz Carmouche (13-6, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Carmouche is an inch taller while Shevchenko has half an inch in reach advantage. Shevchenko fighting southpaw, Carmouche doing stance switching. Some dancing around from Carmouche, she misses a few inside leg kicks. Shevchenko is backing her towards the fence and lands a right hook. Shevchenko avoids a kick and lands a couple of punches. Leg kick from Shevchenko lands. Carmouche is throwing a fair bit but she’s falling well short of the target so far. Carmouche misses a wheel kick. Inside leg kick from Carmouche lands. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick of her own. Shevchenko blocks a high kick then lands a couple of leg kicks. Carmouche eats a straight left, she’s trying to get Shevchenko to bite on fakes and Shevchenko just isn’t biting. Shevchenko lands a spinning back kick to the body. Bit of a one two from Shevchenko. Credit to Carmouche, she’s moving well but just can’t find a reliable angle of attack. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko

ROUND TWO: Carmouche back to dancing a bit. Shevchenko lands a jab. Carmouche lands an inside leg kick. One two lands for Shevchenko. Shevchenko lands a front kick to the body and avoids a return one. Shevchenko is coming forward, lands an inside leg kick after missing a couple of punches. Another jab from Shevchenko lands. Carmouche misses a high kick. Shevchenko avoids a takedown attempt and they disengage. Bit of a jab from Shevchenko. Carmouche avoids a left and resumes circling. Shevchenko lands a superman punch. Another missed kick from Carmouche and Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Bit of a body kick from Carmouche. One two then a leg kick from Shevchenko land. Shevchenko lands a front kick to the body. Spinning back fist from Shevchenko lands and a couple of follow up punches as well. Carmouche avoids a body kick. They just dance away the final couple of seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko, 20-18 Shevchenko overall

ROUND THREE: Carmouche is back to bouncing in and out looking for an angle of attack. Shevchenko lands a leg kick. Bit of a one two from Shevchenko lands then a jab to the body. Carmouche lands an inside leg kick, Shevchenko lands a hard leg kick to counter. Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a one two from Shevchenko, Carmouche is still really struggling with distance and range whereas Shevchenko has a feel for it already. Leg kick from Shevchenko lands. Shevchenko drops Carmouche with a right hook, then lands a couple of leg kicks as Carmouche sits on her back looking to try and force a grappling exchange. The ref makes Carmouche stand back up after a few seconds. They clash and clinch up, Shevchenko gets a body lock then a lateral drop to land in Carmouche’s guard. Some heel strikes to the thigh from Carmouche. Shevchenko works her arms free and lands some shots to the body and head as Carmouche tries to go for rubber guard and the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Shevchenko as I don’t think Carmouche landed anything relevant, 30-26 Shevchenko overall

ROUND FOUR: Carmouche back to moving, Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Shevchenko misses a high kick, Carmouche has a high kick blocked. Shevchenko lands a left. Superman punch then an inside leg kick from Shevchenko. Carmouche misses a couple of punches. Shevchenko avoids a takedown attempt, lands a couple of punches then goes into the guard of Carmouche after pushing her over from her knees. Carmouche is trying to get rubber guard working but she’s stuck against the fence and Shevchenko is looking to pass over the weak side of the guard. Shevchenko lands a few shoulder strikes and moves towards half guard. Carmouche gets most of her guard back, she’s controlling the posture of Shevchenko well and stalls things long enough to get a stand up. Superman punch and leg kick again from Shevchenko land. Shevchenko lands a spinning back fist as Carmouche was coming forward, that landed and dropped her again and Shevchenko winds up holding a front headlock. Carmouche is trying to grab a single leg from her knees, Shevchenko moves to the back without hooks and forces her flat into side control. Half guard for Carmouche, Shevchenko postures up and lands an elbow as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Shevchenko she’s winning the rounds by a wide enough margin to justify it, 40-34 Shevchenko overall

ROUND FIVE: Carmouche comes out with some energy, she needs a finish and is moving well still. Shevchenko misses a high kick. Carmouche misses a few punches. Leg kick from Shevchenko lands. Bit of a blitz from Shevchenko is mostly blocked. They clash on low kicks then Carmouche is after a single leg but Shevchenko is sprawling and hitting her. Carmouche is on her back now and locks up full guard. Shevchenko moves Carmouche towards the fence. There’s a few short blows going back and forth, Shevchenko lands an uppercut. Carmouche is looking to wall walk, Shevchenko moves to half guard and keeps her flat. Shoulder blows and short elbows from Shevchenko. A few rights to the head and body from Shevchenko now. Carmouche is trying but she’s just stuck under Shevchenko. Shevchenko with some short lefts to the head then she postures up and lands blows then stands as time runs out.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Shevchenko though another 10-8 wouldn’t be out of line, 50-43 Shevchenko overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER and STILL UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion – Valentina Shevchenko via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

Again, what’s the point of the new rules if you can’t give a 10-8 to a fighter who won a round when the other fighter landed a grand total of 0 strikes. Mic time for the champion, who does her own Spanish and English translation, she thanked the crowd and wanted the knockout but had to fight technically then thanks the crowd again. She talks about fighting in such a way to guarantee her victory relative to her opponent’s skills. Asked what she wants next she wants everyone to fight her, doesn’t matter who it is up to and including Amanda Nunes.

OK, that wraps up UFC on ESPN+ 14. Nothing truly stand out but a few decent scraps and I’m probably going to have to re-watch the main event just for a few of the technical and strategic decisions Shevchenko made, but I think the event will largely pass unremarked upon. Next week the UFC is in Anaheim, California for UFC 241 which is an absurd card. The rematch between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic, Anthony Pettis vs. Nate Diaz, Yoel Romero vs. Paulo Costa, there’s very little to complain about on that main card. Sunday we’ll be breaking down all the action from this event as well as preview UFC 241 on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, which I hope you listen to. I’ll be back next Saturday for UFC 241 and I hope you’ll all join me back here as well. Until then thanks for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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